CIFT Develops Refrigeration Enabled Mobile Fish Vending Kiosks

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF), Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala.

The MoU was inked for fabrication and installation of 20 numbers of ICAR-CIFT developed refrigeration enabled Mobile Fish Vending Kiosks for the benefit of women Self Help Groups involved in fish vending/marketing. The culmination of this MoU was due to successful transfer of ICAR-CIFT technology to Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala under Theeramaithri project.

Dr. C.N. Ravishankar, Director, ICAR-CIFT and Smt. Sreelu, Executive Director, SAF, Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective organizations.

Dr. Ravishankar highlighted that the project envisages to provide the hygienic and quality fish to the consumers at the right time and in right place with an efficient cold chain management, transporting and marketing system.

The ICAR-CIFT has developed an innovative mobile fish vending kiosk for improving the unhygienic handling and marketing practices of small scale vendors/sellers and retailers. It is completely made up of food grade stainless steel (304) with toughened glass for the display of fresh fish under the chilled storage conditions of 2-3°C.

With a carrying capacity of about 20-30 kg of fresh fish, the kiosk is movable as it is mounted on a frame with wheels at the bottom. Under ideal operating conditions, the unit can extend the shelf life of fish for 4 to 5 days, thereby improves the marginal benefit to fish vendors/sellers by controlling the fish wastage. The fabrication cost of the innovative fish vending kiosk comes around Rs. 55,000/- plus taxes, which is affordable to small scale and retail fish vendors for investment.